People need the arts in trying economic times, and it’s more important than ever to get the message out that art can bring us together and help us focus on what matters. One thing that matters greatly right now is helping those in need. We at the State Arts Council would like to encourage artists and arts organizations to use your skills and your events to make things better for the lives of people in our state. We invite you to consider.

Donating time, money, or artwork to worthy causes in the name of your arts organization;

Sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive.

Do you have other ideas? Please share your ideas and the ways that you have been helping out in your community so we can share them with others. You can email us jane.eklund@dcr.nh.gov or post to our New Hampshire State Council on the Arts Facebook page.

As a reminder, grants application deadlines for FY2010 project are coming up! Consider reaching out to New Hampshire’s elderly and underserved by including in your project plans performances, workshops, or other arts activities to be held at community centers, senior centers, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.